Predictors of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Dural Repair in Spinal Intradural Surgery

OBJECTIVE: We aim to compare the effectiveness of dural closure techniques in preventing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks following surgery for intradural lesions and seek to identify additional factors associated with CSF leaks. Surgical management of spinal intradural lesions involves durotomy which requires a robust repair to prevent postoperative CSF leakage. The ideal method of dural closure and the efficacy of sealants has not been established in literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all intradural spinal cases performed at a tertiary spine centre from 1 April 2015 to 29 January 2020 and collected data on patient bio-profile, dural repair technique, and CSF leak rates. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors for postoperative CSF leak. RESULTS: A total of 169 cases were reported during the study period. There were 15 cases in which postoperative CSF leak was reported (8.87%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patient age (odds ratio [OR], 0.942; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.891–0.996), surgical indication listed in the “others” category (OR, 44.608; 95% CI, 1.706–166.290) and dural closure with suture, sealant and patch (OR, 22.235; 95% CI, 2.578–191.798) were factors associated with CSF leak. Postoperative CSF leak was associated with the risk of surgical site infection with a likelihood ratio of 8.704 (χ² (1) =14.633, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Identifying predictors for CSF leaks can assist in the counselling of patients with regard to surgical risk and expected postoperative recovery.